My top dividend stocks for November

The next bear market is probably some distance off, but we’ll want to move gradually into a more defensive position as the final peak for the cycle comes into view. This central theme — that we’re in a cyclical bull market that likely won’t carry all the way back to the 2007 highs before peaking in 2011 or 2012 — colors my stock picks for November. I need to make money now! So, I’m looking for stocks that will pay me a good dividend up front.

I’m keen on defense contractor Raytheon (NYSE: RTN). Yes, I’m well aware that the Obama administration is making a determined effort to rein in defense spending as the Iraq war winds down. Barring a new overseas conflict, the US defense budget will grow slowly, if at all, over the next three to five years. If you’ve got a little extra change in your pocket, consider insurance broker Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC). About half of MMC’s revenues come from insurance-related services, a relatively steady business in good times and bad. The other half derives from MMC’s consulting and outsourcing lines, which offer more growth potential but are also more closely tied to cyclical swings in the economy.

Source: InvestorPlace

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